Waterproofing the London School of Economics

In April 2016, the world-renowned London School of Economics announced that Grafton Architects were to design their next major project. The Marshall Building at 44 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, built by Mace Group, includes an extensive two-storey, mixed-use basement that will house plant areas, squash courts, changing facilities and a sports hall, covering a total of over 2,250m2 of floorspace and presenting quite the project for Newton Specialist Contractor Cast Contracting Ltd (CCL).

Newton Specialist Contractor CCL were appointed to design, supply and install the waterproofing by principal contractor Mace Group in late 2019.

To provide a completely dry, guaranteed solution on such a high profile project, CCL recommended the Newton CDM System.

Otherwise known as Type C waterproofing, the CDM System is the safest and most reliable form of waterproofing.

Prior to installation, CCL applied Newton 906 Lime Inhibitor to the new slab to prevent free lime from the concrete from affecting the drainage membranes. The Type A liquid waterproofing membrane Newton 103-S was also applied internally to many of the concrete surfaces as a barrier to water.

With preparations complete, over 2,250m2 of Newton 520 eco membrane was installed to the floor and over 570m2 of Newton 508 membrane installed to the walls to create the Newton CDM System. A drainage system of Newton Basedrain channels also directs any water captured by the membranes to the point of discharge, and the whole system was sealed with Newton OverTape.

Despite requiring dedicated delivery slots, and working to an extremely tight program of work, CCL were praised on the quality and speed of their installation, which was completed well within the time limit.

The Newton recycling service was also a great success, recycling 115 kg of HDPE waste and therefore preventing over 132 kg of CO2 emissions.